The Miami Dolphins’ collection of talent, which is a poorly constructed team, hasn’t won a single game in 2011.

The majority of the South Florida fan base is PUBLICLY rooting against them, lusting after Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, and they know it.

The coaching staff knows they are the walking dead, due to be fired at some point in 2011 unless the team wins nine of the next 11 games.

The front office is openly inviting fans to cheer on a legendary University of Florida player, who happens to be the starting quarterback for Sunday’s opponent.

The Miami Dolphins are angry, feel disrespected, depression could be setting in considering some admitted it’s hard to get up and go to work. And last week I heard the dreaded “play for personal pride” line.

It’s hard for me to conclude it’s not time to wave the white flag, flushing this season down the drain like this morning’s bowel movement.

The only thing that can convince me to continue to convince you to have hope is a victory over the Broncos this weekend.

I’ve looked at this matchup every which way, and there should be no way the Broncos (1-5 and starting an inexperienced quarterback) pulls out a victory.

But IF THEY DO, if the Dolphins lose yet another home game it’s time to pull out that Semisonic song “Closing Time” and callTony Sparano’s tenure as head coach a wrap.

Firing Sparano now and naming an interim coach won’t fix the problems. In fact, it’ll probably make them worse, but at this point a sacrifice must be made, and owner Steve Rosstypcially gives the fans what they want.

This is where we are people, and I’m struggling to find a reason to have hope…. so I flat out asked Sparano, a man I still respect and forever will, to give me SOMETHING to give you.

Here is what I got.

“Well, the only thing I can say in that situation is the team is playing hard. These guys are playing hard and they practice hard. If you want hope, they’re playing hard, they’re practicing hard, there’s improvement in different areas, there really is,” Sparano said.

“I can point to three phases in the special teams game right now that has improved tremendously,” he continued. “Now the phase that we’re not quite where we want to be right now, we’re not anywhere where we want to be in the kickoff return phase. We have to be better in that because that’s going to help us finish drives better offensively. Just field position, we’re not very good in that phase right at this particular time. We got to do a better job there.

“But the defense from a run standpoint right now has gotten themselves a little bit better,” Sparano said, referring to the front seven, which is allowing 4.0 yards per rush this season. ”We’re starting to play better there.”

Too bad the unit finished 2011 allowing 3.6 yards per carry, got just about everyone back, and was supposed to be the backbone of the team.

“Offensively we’re running the ball better and doing some different things,” Sparano said, referring to a rushing attack that’s getting into a groove, averaging 4.4 yards per carry behind an improving offensive line.

“You’re getting bigger plays, you’re getting chunk plays. That’s all I’ve heard from three years here is trying to get the ball down field. We’re one of the top teams in the league in getting the ball down the field right now,” said Sparano, whose offense is ranked 16th in yards, but 30th in points scored.

“I’d be encouraged about those things. I’d be encouraged about the [young] players that are out there playing right now, the (Charles) Clays, the (Daniel) Thomas’, the (Mike)Pounceys, the Jimmy Wilsons. You know, the list is long, talking about a lot of young, Reshad Jones. I mean these guys are all young players.

However, those are the ONLY young guys playing, and most aren’t even playing that much.

“For me, I think those things are all really positive. And I think the more those guys play the better this football team is going to get. This team is just going to continue to get better and that’s what I really believe in my heart that this thing is going to turn. I know the attitude of the people in that locker room,” Sparano said. “I’ve coached four teams here now and I love this team. For whatever reason, I don’t know what it is, they just come to work every day and they go to work. I don’t know if that gives them optimism. When you’re 0-5 I understand that there’s not a lot of it but in that locker room these guys come in here and they are trying to win every single game that we play.”

He’s telling the truth. Each week a new member of the media comes into Davie and leaves shocked at how upbeat the team is during the week despite all the losses.

I’ve been shocked at the level of spirit and fight that remains, and I think that has to do with the respect the players have for Sparano and the coaching staff.

But….the team’s not getting the desired results, and the same issues that were here from loss No. 1 are here in loss No. 5.

Bad chemistry and communication on defense.

Struggling to stop tight ends.

Can’t force turnovers.

The offense is dismal on third downs.

The offense is horrendous in the red zone, relying too much on field goals.

Not one problem has been fixed, and not one player performing badly has been replaced.

I asked Sparano about that, and this was his response.

“Those are the things you got to get better at. I mean, there’s no doubt about it. Those are issues that people can point to. It’s natural that you’re going to sit here. I might be able to point to an article that you wrote that was written, really a great one and then another one that I thought might have stunk. I don’t know, I’m just a fan, I don’t know anything about your job. I mean honestly, I’m not being a wise guy. I’m just saying you know why you wrote it. You know what went into it,” Sparano said, using my industry and career as an example.

He’s right. Sometimes I write crap. But I work hard to fix the problems and adjust. If I didn’t I’d be unemployed.

“From my end, I just know what goes into these practices, what I see on the field, what I see starting to happen in these games and that gives me optimism to believe that we just need one of these balls to hop in our hand one time or make one of these plays to get us over the hump to validate some of the things that we’re doing,” Sparano said. “I think once you get a win all of a sudden this thing can change really fast.”

O,
In regards to Marshall, he can want a superstar QB all he want’s, but that doesn’t excuse his poor showings the last 2yrs. As a person and not a football player, I hope he gets his life on track. As a football player he has not shown the self accountability that defines the greatest receivers through the Leagues history. When the ball hits him in the hands in the endzone and he drops it, he can’t say “It’s not Joe Montana or Tom Brady throwing the ball to me, so it’s not my fault.”

Omar Kelly says:
October 21, 2011 at 1:35 pm
I’m on my best behavior the past two weeks, so I can’t be accused of not doing enough “cheerleading.”

If they don’t win against Denver you’ll see the old me return.

I don’t think I’m negative, but the Dolphins do. I’ve played nice for three weeks and let us see where it gets the team.
——————————
I have noticed the difference O, and I think you are the only print writer who specifically calls stuff out. Some of your counterparts write negative stuff but its a more tabloid type manner. I think you get under the team’s skin because you call out specific things.

What bothers me is that I see you guys being used to put out positive stories about coaches and players… and when it turns out to be BS, its rarely ever revisited.

I look forward to your reporting in the coming weeks. I for one would like to see
- Someone holding Ireland to the fire for undermining Henne by saying that we needed better play at the QB position, suggesting that competition would be brought in, and then nothing happening.
- Questioning Ross for undermining this regime with the Harbaugh flirt. I think that is the direct reason why the fans are impatient with the current guys – we KNOW that Ross doesn’t trust these guys.
- Blasting Sparano for not being able to bring in good coaches and saying that he would be bringing in a more aggressive approach, and then falling back to his old ways as soon as the games started. He’s a nice guy, but he doesn’t have the balls to be a head coach.

MF13 aka bro m13,
The thing is this regime which includes a so called Oline guru has had continuous problems with it’s Oline unit.
The only 2 guys they’ve hit on were both 1st round draft picks, Long & Pouncey. Kinda hard to screw that up!
The rest of the 4yrs has been one head scratcher after another.
Here is most of the Olinemen added each year under this regime.

I think if we would have stuck with the guys listed in 2009 we would have been fine. I know those guys had injury issues (which was known when each was required) but makes no sense to get rid of them having acquired them with those same issues…oops

I actually like Brian Daboll’s offense better than Henning’s but you can also see Daboll’s lack of experience in his inability to adjust IMO. And for the life of me why are they wasting Reggie Bush? He should be our #1 Target in open space, screens slants and other things….

Convict, Thomas probably has a few stops where he got nothing but he usually moves the pile. You have to have conviction to run the ball. You can’t be like hmm… I wonder if we can run it. Lineup and slam it into the endzone. I’d like to see more of that than some of the pass plays they call down there. Even when it’s a good call we don’t execute. Amazing!

Omar Kelly
October 21, 2011 at 1:35 pm
I’m on my best behavior the past two weeks, so I can’t be accused of not doing enough “cheerleading.”

If they don’t win against Denver you’ll see the old me return.

I don’t think I’m negative, but the Dolphins do. I’ve played nice for three weeks and let us see where it gets the team.
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Omar, they are 0-5! What are you waiting for? Christmas? Do we really have to wait for 0-16 before we start to ask the hard questions, like ” Do you really know what the heck you are doing, or are you just faking it?” or the one that still boggles my mind. which is “why do we still have the same offensive line coach that hasn’t built an effective offensive line in all the time he’s been here even with an open checkbook?” and “when is he getting fired?”(the offensive line coach)

MF13, thanks brah!
Yes it is more than mind numbing, and disgustingly so this ineptitude reaches farther than just the damn Oline. This regime has failed @ QB, TE, LB, S, RB, Special Teams, CB.
Makes me wanna PUKE!

What kind of answer was that? I don’t understand why Sparano would use your job and an example:it’s apples and oranges… He, needs to step it up and get rid of the player that are not doing there job… It’s not like these players are making minimum wedge here! Come on this should be nothing knew.

Convict
October 21, 2011 at 1:52 pm
I agree with using DT in the red zone more. However, what stats is Daboll or anyone else using when referring to positive plays when down there? DT has 14 carries for 29 yards in the red zone.
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I agree with using ANYONE more in the redzone with the exception of Brandon Marshall, can’t they see that that one isn’t working? That Marshall is allergic to TD passes?.. If I was the QB i’d throw the pass to an eligible tackle before I threw another single pass to Marshall in the redzone. He wouldnt get another pass come his way inside the endzone if he was standing all alone in the corner with no one around him for 15 yds….because I know without question….HE WOULD DROP IT!

All this is well and good. The truth is the matter is the Dulphins are not playing good football in any area of the game. Not almost good, not half good, the phrase “playing well” doesnt appear in any sentence/paragraph discribing any game played by the Dolphins this yr, or come to think of it not last yr either. The kicking game, ie field goals could be said to be “playing well”. Other then that, zippo.
So dont get bumbed if we fans dont exactlly take Sparano’s words to heart. The Dolphins simply dont have heart. Or “heart” is very hard to see come game day. Ive seen loafing at its finnest. If u believe Im wrong, check out Marshalls attempt to be the beast last Monday night. You’ll laugh out loud.

“Not one problem has been fixed, and not one player performing badly has been replaced.”

Benny sapp was cut, and i think it was a huge mistake we are still paying for on and off the field. Guy was already paid for and was our starting nickel that got toasted along with the other 10 defenders by a HOF qb.

If the Phins feel disrespected all I have to said is welcome to the club players, we have been here longer than you, we bleed aqua and orange while you guys can leave and play for other teams we don’t have that option we are fans for life.

i think the miami should put a offer parcels old job to a guy who truely loves the miami dolphins and most importantly miami florida to who miami fans wont understand it right now but will later that being said jimmy johnson in my opinion the greatest talent evaluater ever he would not have to coach the team which would be bad for his health but his role would be to do what parcels couldnt give this team a chance by bringin in superior talent and allow a good coach coach them jeff fisher not included but bill cowher tony dungy rob ryan jay gruden dont laugh butch davis man i wish urban meyer wanted his shot but in reality i would take any just named my preference rob ryan as long as jimmy johnsons calling all the shots his last tender was bad timing he had the greatest qb ever period bar none not even close in dan marino a the end of his career but if he came in 1989 things would have ben different jimmy from that position would right this entire ship just some food for thought

Discipline – that’s the key. The fins don’t have it. If Shula was in charge half these guys would be selling peanuts on 27th Av. Coaching – Soprano is supposed to be a defensive guru — NOT! Offense a guy from cleveland give me a break.
Solution – Ireland gone, Soprano gone, Henne gone, Marshall gone. Hire some real talent and PAY them, this is not the Florida marlins!!!

Omar:
Could you be so kind as to post warnings when you’re going to make bowel movement references? A lot of times I read your column when I’m eating lunch or breakfast, and you frequently make me gag. I understand there has to be a certain amount of “bowel,” “bro” and “dude” references to appeal to your demographic, and that it’s part and parcel of the “I learned to be a journalist by playing football” school of journalism, but it’s really kind of disgusting.
How about this: just like you end your columns with the “G.T…” thing, start columns with gastrointestinal metaphors with “DRWE” warnings, for “Don’t Read While eating.”
OK?

This really has to do with game planning. Not only in the Jet game but against other teams the game plan has been an issue. Which is why I believe that Sparano should go now. Other teams seem to be playing the Dolphins weaknesses. What do the Dolphins do, they go at the best corner back in the NFL and try to win the game that way. This had to be the plan. Does anyone really think that Daboll is going to indicate that his head coach told him to keep going to Marshall. It’s what Tony has become known for; doing the predictable.

hmm… when I watch the Dolphins I do not see a team that is playing all that hard especially when they fall behind. If they were playing hard so many of the teams better players would not be having such off years statistically. Also all season long we have heard from multiple players that the practices are bad too. This is the main reason I thought firing Sparano during the bye week would have been a good move.
If the fans and press see all the dumb moves he makes during games don’t you think the players see that as well and have no faith in this guy despite what comes out of their mouths. I know this year is a lost season but how can the players be properly evaluated for the future when they are half a$$ing it out there for a coach they don’t believe in. Some sort of change should have been made to see how just how much of the problem is Sparano or if it actually is all on the players.

Omar,
I truly respect your work and dedication. I hope your son gets that from. That would make the world a better place with more people like you. As a fan, part of me wants a franchise QB and is pulling for luck. But on the other hand, I feel for Sparano because I’ve been in situations in life where all is against me and I have to search within myself to make things work. I want him to win, wants this team to win.
Hopefully our fate can change and we still get a top 5 pick, which would allow us to get a franchise QB or make a trade for Luck. Hopefully that can work out.
Thanks for spending time with the MOB

I wish the public, medid would forget the suck for luck B/S.
That said, I can tell you Tim Tebow is coming to town to whip the Dulphins ass and I dont mean maybe. Tebow is first and formost a football player whos got more class in his pinky finger then Sparano has in his whole body. It wont look pretty, doesnt have to Denver will win this game
24-10. Sparano will stay on as head coach and do another head scratcing interview and say how well the Dolphins are playing, etc, etc, etc. Adds up to total sheep dip.
I will not bother to watch.

Who cares if they fire Sprano, the bigger issue is Ireland and they wont get rid of him till the end of the year, Plus do you think any coach such as Dungy, Cohwer, or fischer would work with someone who sucks that bad. Do a Marlin’s move Fire Ireland put Shula Interim, Fire Spran put Nolan Interm, Why didnt Ross figure this would happen you basically told Sprano he was gone the players lost respect for him and it sure shows in their game play. What is our loss count at home now 0 and 99. It truly has become painful to watch the phins games

I’m starting to think no one wants to fix the offensive line which will rapidly improve this team. May be try out some OL players from outside of the NFL to upgrade and improve the right side. I would like to see Thomas and Slaton in the back field in the red zone and utilize Bush better.

OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
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IZZY GOULD joined the Sun Sentinel in Feb. 2012 as a Senior Sports Reporter on the Miami Dolphins beat. He came to South Florida fresh off covering the University of Alabama football program, including its 2011 national championship team. More